Kent State University College of Public Health offers a variety of programs

Published: February 12, 2014 12:00AM

Kent State University College of Public Health offers programs for high school graduates, college graduates, professionals seeking continuing education, and those pursuing doctoral level study.

"When we founded the college in 2009, we were determined to offer a bachelor's degree, as well as master's and doctoral degrees," said Dean Sonia Alemagno.

The Bachelor of Science in Public Health and Master of Public Health degree programs ensure that students are exposed to all five disciplines of public health (biostatistics, environmental health, epidemiology, health policy and management and social and behavioral science). These five disciplines serve as the foundational framework for public health theory and practice.

This core of courses also constitutes an undergraduate certificate program for non-degree students. Each BSPH students choose a discipline in which to specialize. For students needing the flexibility of online education, the BSPH and Public Health Certificate can be completed entirely through distance learning. Of particular note is the BSPH concentrating in Environmental Health Sciences, which is specifically designed to prepare students for careers in a field with job demand in environmental and occupational health. This program is primarily hands on, with in-class, field and lab based courses.

The Master of Public Health is offered at the Kent and Trumbull campuses, as well as the Regional Academic Center in Twinsburg. The MPH in Twinsburg and Trumbull specializes in Health Policy and Management with a distinctive focus on Leadership and Organizational Change. The Leadership MPH is designed for the working professional: offered one night a week and can be completed in two years.

"With all of the changes brought about by today's health care reform, knowing and understanding how to be a good leader is imperative," Program Director Dr. Ken Zakariasen said. An academic cohort of working professionals will start again this fall. For those seeking a traditional campus graduate experience, look no further than the MPH offered at the Kent campus with specializations in the five disciplines of public health and the PhD in three specializations. Applications are accepted throughout the year.